An amazing place in the world - Vatican City. The smallest state in the state church (territorial part of Rome), which produces nothing, holds a population of about a thousand people, mostly members of the papal administration and their families, and is a center of pilgrimage for tourists from around the world.

Attractions Vatican - is the pearl that adorns mankind.

Beautiful sculptures, palaces, gardens, a library created by geniuses of antiquity and the Renaissance, unsurpassed masters of Italian culture. The old saying "all roads lead to Rome" can rightly be supplemented: "And to the Vatican."

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Welcome to the Vatican

The main attraction of the Vatican - St. Peter's Basilica, whose relics are said to have been at the base of the foundation of the huge architectural structures.

In the creation of this great shrines of the Catholic world participated generation the greatest masters of the Renaissance (Donato Bramante, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Raphael, Giuliano da Sangallo), carefully preserving the continuity of the Christian meanings.

The founder of the idea of ​​a cathedral of St. Peter Donato Bramante took as a basis for the design of this colossal temple of the cross as a symbol of unwavering faith.

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Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven

The Second Vatican landmark - Oval St. Peter's Square, on which the famous cathedral. It was designed by Italian architect Lorenzo Bernini in the shape of a keyhole, framed by 284 columns.

Colonnade designed so that when in its geometric center, it becomes transparent. Columns are hidden to each other at a certain angle.

This form is very symbolic reflects Christian tradition that the Apostles Peter is the keeper of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. In the center of St. Peter's Square is dvadtsatipyatimetrovy Egyptian obelisk mounted on the orders of Pope Sixtus Y.

Marble composition of Our Lady of Sorrows with lying on her lap Savior, Descent from the Cross, majestically located on the square. This masterpiece of the great Italian sculptor Michelangelo deservedly belongs to the priceless collection of the unique attractions of the city-state.

One of the treasures of the Vatican on the degree of divine perfection in the artistic execution is considered to be the Sistine Chapel. She is a tall rectangular building, painted inside with frescoes of great masters of the Italian Renaissance.

For the most part - it is the frescoes of Michelangelo Buanoratti. The attention of tourists all over the world revealed surprising in its execution fresco painter and sculptor of genius "The Creation of Man" and "The Last Judgment." Following the restoration famous frescoes for five hundred years, they retain their original brightness.

More than half of the small area of ​​the Vatican (44 hectares) occupy the Vatican gardens. They presented exotic flora from different corners of the globe. Stay in the lap of beautifully manicured green attractions of the city-state promotes, according to many tourists, peaceful state of mind.

Vatican Library contains more than half million of its funds of manuscripts and printed books of famous theologians, philosophers and thinkers of antiquity and the Middle Ages. One of its halls is always locked to visitors.

Vatican leaves no one indifferent. Come to the Vatican City. He's waiting for you to devote to their secrets.

Contents:

The oldest historical monuments of Antalya

Seljuk period in the architecture of the city

Landmarks Ottoman

The most popular parks Antalya

Modern resort attractions

On the azure Mediterranean coast stretches Antalya - the most famous and popular resort in Turkey that attracts vacationers azure skies, gentle sunshine, golden sand and warm sea. But the beauty of the area - it's not all the attractions of Antalya.

The city dating back more than two millennia, save a lot of historical monuments from different eras and cultures.

Once Antalya was part of the kingdom of Pergamum, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Numerous ancient ruins, buildings and monuments carry visitors in those days, that most of them are familiar from textbooks and historical novels. You can with the courage to say that, in Antalya, Turkey represented different periods of its existence.

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The oldest historical monuments of Antalya

One of the oldest buildings in the city is Hıdırlık Tower, which was built by the Romans in the II century AD. The massive building is located in a park area in the southeast of the ancient city quarter Kaleici. The height of the structure is 13, 5 m. The base of the tower is a square, and its upper portion is formed as a cylinder. It is assumed that the original tower had pointed top, which was destroyed during the reign of the Byzantine Empire in these lands. Today is not known for what purpose was built Hidirilik Tower. Historians suggest that it could be used for local residents fortification, lighthouse or tomb.

Turkey commemorates times and contributes to the conservation of ancient buildings located on its lands.
Almost intact survived Hadrian's Gate - triumphal arch, dating from the year 130 AD. The gate was built to commemorate the visit to Antalya Roman Emperor Hadrian. They represent 3 domed arches, made of white marble and decorated with antique columns. On both sides of the gate are small towers erected at different times. South side of the arch is decorated with stone tower of St. Julia, which was built around the same time as the Hadrian's Gate. In the north of the tower arch, the foundation of which refers to the ancient period, and the walls and roof were built during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.

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Seljuk period in the architecture of the city

Enumerating attractions Antalya Seljuk period, I want to highlight the 38-meter minaret Yivli (Fluted), built in the XIII century. during the reign of the sultan Ala al-Din Kay-Kubad. The building is located in the city center and is considered his main character. Today it is not known exactly what the events in honor of the minaret was erected, but most scientists assumed that its construction was dedicated to the successful completion of an aggressive campaign that Seljuk Turks carried out in the Mediterranean region in the years 1207-1226.

The minaret is an early example of Islamic architecture in the Turkish lands. It was built of brick and consists of 8 pieces of semi-cylindrical shape, each of which is decorated with mosaics. With this design the massive construction of the minaret seems to be very light and delicate.

The foundations of the minaret is built of strong stone blocks. Sex tower adorn the words of Muhammad, derived blue paint. Enter the building on the north side, you can climb up the long spiral staircase to the balcony of the minaret (Seref). Today staircase has 90 steps, but it is assumed that there used to be the same as the names of Allah - 99. To the west of the minaret is the oldest mosque in the region shestikupolnaya Yivli Minare Jami. It was built about the same time as the minaret itself, and is no less historic value. Interestingly, the Turks built it out of materials that belong to other buildings before.

Another historical monument Antalya during the rule of the Seljuk Turks is Karatay madrasah - a palace built in 1251 vizier Selaletdinom Karatau. In ancient times, the building housed the School of the Quran. The architecture is typical Karatay madrasa influence of two cultures. The presence of domes and small threaded elements make the building a model of Arab culture and the Greek columns that adorn the palace, characterized by the times of antiquity. Throughout its existence, the madrasah repeatedly restored, allowing him perfectly preserved. Today it is an exhibition hall, which gathered the entire history of Antalya, since the Paleolithic period and ending our days. Among the exhibits of the hall you can see the ceramic vases, a variety of dishes, ornaments, figurines, and more.

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Landmarks Ottoman

Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque displays a different era. The exact date of construction of the mosque and the name of the man who raised her, to this day have not been preserved, however, suggest that it refers to the historic buildings end XVI - early XVII centuries and belongs to the era of the Ottoman Empire. At a time when Turkey was at the height of his power, he played the role of the main mosque of the Muslim center of Antalya. The temple is a square-shaped structure surmounted by one large and three small domes. Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque, built of stone blocks and rubble. Individual parts of its doors and windows are made of polished stone. The interior of the temple the most interesting parts are made of marble altar and pulpit.

Clock Tower Saat Kulesi is an iconic place in Antalya. Age attractions not so ancient, its construction began at the end of the XIX century and lasted until 1901. Finance the construction of the tower Saat Kulesi German Emperor Wilhelm II. The building was erected in honor of the 25th anniversary of the reign of the Turkish sultan Abdul Hamid. To see the clock tower, you must visit the old quarter of Kaleici. Bunk tower reaches a height of 18 meters. Its lower tier is a pentagon made of rough stones. On top of the tower is lined with polished stones in a quadrilateral. This part of the building is decorated with clocks. Once on top of the Saat Kulesi a dome, but it was destroyed by the storm. Now instead of it the top of the tower is crowned with battlements.

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The most popular parks Antalya

Antalya, like the rest of Turkey, is literally dotted with beautiful parks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax from the hustle and bustle. The biggest park of the city is Karaalioglu, which stretches along the rocky Mediterranean coast of Antalya. The park is located on a hill, and from its territory offers a wonderful view of the entire resort, the mountains and the bay. Karaalioglu surrounded by greenery, it planted a lot of trees, unusual plants and flowers. Cozy cafes and restaurants located at every turn, as well as numerous shops make the park a favorite vacation spot for romantics. For lovers of exotic fauna within the park area there is a mini-zoo. In the western part Hidirilik Tower Karaalioglu is, as described previously.

Ataturk Park - the second largest park of Antalya. It was named in honor of the first president of the republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in which Turkey has become a completely different state. The park stretches along the steep cliffs and a range of entertainment, including a race track, children's carousel, a huge trampoline. The main attractions of the park are two buildings in the form of a pyramid: a cafe and a glass Congress Hall. Not far away are the famous Singing Fountain. Name Atatürk commemorated not only the name of the park. In two places at Antalya, at the Republic Square and the area of ​​wool, stands a monument to this great politician.

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Modern resort attractions

Singing fountains in Antalya are the modern attractions of the city. In the daytime, they are no different from the usual fountains, but after dark, under the lights, and illuminates them regularly at 21.00 local time, begins an unforgettable show, which is admired by all guests of Antalya. Fountains not only sing, but also dance to the sounds of Turkish, classical and popular music, and the film ends with presentation of the show. To see all of the show, you must come to the fountains as early as possible and to take the most convenient place, since the beginning of representation around this place is going to a lot of visitors. Fancy singing sources operate only during the tourist season.

In Antalya working Dolphinarium, where you can relax in with the whole family. Every day throughout the season there are exciting the imagination of the show, which involved not only dolphins, but also seals to beluga. These inhabitants of the seas and oceans are trained trainers to draw pictures, sing, perform various tricks, play with a ball and a hoop. The picture painted by mammals, can be purchased at the memory. The duration of the whole performance is approximately one hour. After the show, visitors can swim with dolphins, but this pleasure will cost them a round sum. Dolphinarium Located within a large entertainment center Aqualand.

Antalya Aquarium occupies a special place in the life of the city. It was opened in 2012 and today is the largest underwater tunnel in Europe. Walking through the long corridors of the aquarium, visitors watch as they float above the heads of sharks, rays and other ocean inhabitants. For tourists languishing on Turkish unusual heat in the tank is equipped with special snow room, where you can meet Santa Claus, toboggan and play fun games with snowballs. Upon entering the room the snow all visitors give warm clothes. Aquarium in Antalya is one of those places of interest, thanks to which Turkey is popular among tourists.

Archaeological Museum in Antalya will be of interest to anyone who is interested in the ancient Turkish history. It is located in the urban area of ​​Konyaalti. The museum building occupies 7000 square meters. m, in which there are 13 exhibition halls. In the hall of the prehistoric period represented by the archaeological excavations of the Paleolithic. In the hall of the gods, you can see the huge original statues of Athena, Zeus, Artemis, Poseidon, and other Greek deities. On the second floor of the Archaeological Museum houses a collection of ancient coins and icons. Part of the museum is located in the open air, where on display many interesting exhibits.

List all the sights of Antalya impossible. The special atmosphere of the sun give the Turkish city streets and boulevards, where you can hide from the heat in the shade of huge trees. Everything in this area is permeated with unconcern, relaxation and fun. In Antalya, running a huge open-air disco Diskolend, where you can dance the night away. Within the resort are picturesque Upper and Lower Duden waterfalls and adjacent seating area. With the zone can enjoy these delicious natural wonders. Turkey can be proud that its land is truly a unique city, which is considered the capital of tourism in the country.